Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Drinking Coffee Reduces Drunk Driver Accident Risks

-->

Coffee has been universally acknowledged as a
perk-me-up, but for a truck driver, this beverage can actually help save
lives.According to a new study,
truck drivers who have a high caffeine intake in the form of coffee, tea and
caffeinated drinks, may have a much lower risk of accidents, compared to truckers
who do not drink caffeine.

The researchers conducted a survey of
long-distance commercial truck drivers in Australia.They were specifically looking at the effects of caffeine in
reducing the driver’s likelihood of being involved in an accident.The survey was conducted between 2008
and 2011 in Western Australia and New South Wales.A total of 530 truck drivers who had been involved in an accident
were compared with 517 truck drivers who had not been involved in an accident
in the previous 12 months.

The research found that 43% of drivers
reported consuming caffeine in the form of coffee, tea, caffeinated energy
drinks and caffeine tablets specifically to stay awake at the wheel.The analysis found that drivers, who
frequently admitted to consuming caffeine in order to help stay awake at the
wheel, were 60% less likely to be involved in an accident, compared to drivers
who did not consume caffeine.

The results of the study are strong enough
for researchers to confirm that caffeine intake could be a significant factor
that protects a truck driver from accident risks.

However, Orlando car accident lawyers caution against the excessive use of caffeine to
reduce fatigue and avoid drowsy driving.A truck driver must have periodic sleep, and must take frequent rest
breaks in order to remain fresh and rested.Caffeine is a quick fix to keep sleep away, but driving for
long periods of time with only frequent coffee breaks and no rest, is a recipe
for disaster.